Health & Wellness

Discover The Health-promoting Benefits

Fruits and vegetables that are white, brown and tan contain varying amounts of Phytochemicals. Some Phytochemicals found in these foods can help the body inhibit, breakdown and eliminate Carcinogens. They can also help lower the risk of some cancers, maintain healthy cholesterol levels and help keep your heart healthy.

Banana

A favorite white fruit, bananas contain 11%RDI of Potassium, are a source of Vitamin B6, and provide 1.6 grams of dietary fiber.

Preparation Tips

To ripen green bananas, put them into a plastic bag, seal it and place the bag in a warm place like on top of your refrigerator. This will cause the bananas to heat up which speeds the ripening process. You can also put other green fruit like peaches and pears into the bag with a ripe banana, and they will ripen faster as well!

You can freeze bananas! Just peel and store in plastic bags up to 6 months.

Thaw and drain frozen extra-ripe bananas and use in baked goods... or slice frozen into blender drinks. Have for breakfast, snack, refreshment or as a frosty ice cream-like dessert without all the extra fat or calories.

Sauté green-tipped bananas until brown in just enough margarine or cooking spray to coat. Serve as a side dish or "starch" with chicken, pork or even fish.

Trivia

Bananas don't grow on trees, as is commonly believed. They grow on compacted, water-filled leaf stalks that grow up to 25 feet high. They are the world's largest herb. (Source: The Packer, 9/9/89)

Alexander the Great discovered bananas in his conquest of India in 327 B.C.

As the green color of bananas turns to yellow, the starch in the fruit turns to sugar.

Cauliflower

Preparation Tips

If boiling cauliflower, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the water to maintain white color.

Trivia

Cauliflower is a member of the cabbage group in the mustard family of plants.

Mark Twain described cauliflower as "cabbage with a college education."

Cauliflower lacks the green chlorophyll found in other members of the cruciferous family of vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and kale, because the leaves of the plant shield the florets from the sun as they grow. It has a compact head (called a "curd"), usually about six inches in diameter that is composed of undeveloped flower buds. The flowers are attached to a central stalk.

Recipes

Garlic

Garlic contains allyl sulfides, which can depress the growth of human cancer cells. Garlic can also protect against tumors and some types of cancer, and contains vitamins A and C, Potassium, Selenium, a variety of amino acids, as well as more than 70 sulfur compounds.

Trivia

Garlic is a pungent member of the onion family. From its beginnings in Central Asia, garlic has been cultivated for 6,000 years. Although wild garlic grows in North America, the cultivated varieties came here via Europe.

Garlic contains the amino acid, alliin, which scientists say has antibiotic and bactericidal effects. It is believed to promote cardiovascular activity and a beneficial, soothing action on the respiratory system.

It is said that gladiators ate garlic to make them capable of greater feats of strength in the stadium.

Mushroom

Preparation Tips

To clean mushrooms, wipe them with a damp cloth or soft vegetable brush. Because of their porous nature, mushrooms should not be washed in water, as they will absorb water like a sponge, losing nutrients, flavor and changing texture.

Fresh mushrooms...Elegant, enigmatic, alluring, adaptable...anything but ordinary. The distinctive earthy flavor of fresh mushrooms partners perfectly with a multitude of other foods and flavors.

Health & Wellness Articles

In Season

December is a month full of delicious seasonal produce, and plenty of opportunities to use it! Take advantage of fresh fruits and vegetables in your baked goods and holiday dishes. Fresh citrus also makes a lovely holiday gift. Fill an attractive bowl or basket with fresh oranges, grapefruit, mandarins or a combination of a few varieties.